I have an older kenmore sewing machine model #117-552 haven't used in 30 years open up and oiled it it started to work now motor stops and won't work then it will start again. after i push wheel. i think i over oiled can you help me

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all machines thread the same. TTN tension,take up, needle.Beginning
with the spool, guide the thread through the thread guides to the
tension assembly. Pull the thread through the tension assembly and test
it to make sure the tension is working correctly.(To do this
test,adjust your tension setting to normal or medium or 5 or something
in the middle. Raise the presser foot and pull the thread through the
tension. It should pull easily!! Lower the presser foot and pull the
thread. It should pull noticeably harder.) If it passes this test,
continue up through the take up lever,then down through the thread
guides to the needle. Make sure your needle is fully inserted and
turned the correct way.( If you load your bobbin case from the left
side,the needle rule is normally FLAT to the RIGHT is RIGHT. There are
some exceptions. If you have a newer style drop in bobbin or your
bobbin case loads in the front then the rule is FLAT to the BACK.

To wind the bobbin, guide the thread around the thread guide on the left top of your machine, then to the bobbin winder. Wind the thread around the bobbin several times, place the bobbin on top of the bobbin winder, push it against the wheel and press the foot pedal. It should stop winding when the bobbin is full or you take your foot off the control

The clutch has fallen off the shaft. Remove the very small screw in the clutch release screw to remove the clutch release. Place the clutch(round thing with ears on it) back on the shaft with the center ears pointing towards the outside. Put the clutch release screw back on. Tighten it to make sure it works properly. Put the small screw back in the clutch release screw and test it again. If it will not tighten or release properly, remove the clutch ,rotate it180 degrees and try it again.This should solve your problem.sewman7

hi! there wind thread on bobbins winder 4 times by your hand rotate clockwise,insert in shaft bobiins winder on top of your machine near hand wheel push latch to engage loop thread on disc winder tension start your machine on pedal foot automatically winder disengage if already filled up of thead pull this winder and insert to bobbins casing insert thread to slot and pull out winder should rotate clockwise as shown.insert on shuttle hook casing and close cover needle plate.next thread your upper

threading tension as shown on red threading from spool pull threading and loop to dial tension threading and insert thread to lever needle and to needle hole tip. pull tread under the needle foot and feeder tooth.rotate hand wheel counter clockwise to hook up thread bobbibs and appear at top of needle plate,teo thread shoul appear,set dial tension to # 3 and stich to # 8 range to # 12 depend on fabric and layer of fabrics and set on straight stich sewing,let needle on upper position insert fabric for trial sewiing.put down foot needle lever. manually by hand rotate for assurance needle is free to sew if obtruction on loop bobbins thread occurs adjust all tension gradually then try again until free from sewing w/o problem star sewing.

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Related Questions:

The threading on these Kenmores is pretty consistent from model to model (good machine, by the way!). Be sure to ALWAYS raise the presser foot when threading the upper thread--insures the thread seats in the tension disk.

By the way, the metal projection at the top left of the machine regulates the amount of pressure the presser foot applies to the fabric and feed dogs. Push it down to increase the pressure--important when changing types & weights of fabric. To release the pressure, push down on the ring that surrounds the center projection piece. AND, when finished sewing, it is a "great" idea to always release this pressure button before walking away from the machine. Leaving it pushed down over a long period of time will eventually compress the spring and the pressure will no longer work like it should. Also, be sure to clean and oil your older Kenmore regularly. Use only fresh, good quality sewing machine oil or liquid Tri-Flow Synthetic Lube. Open the top, side, and bobbin area. Gently rotate or rock the handwheel and apply only 1-2 drops of oil every place metal rubs against metal. You can also lube the specific lever and dial mechanisms to keep them operating freely. Do NOT oil belts or plastic gears/parts. Doing this regularly, ie every 40-60 hours of sewing time, will keep your machine running smoothly and quietly and preserve the motor from over stress and possible burn-out.

Please provide specific information regarding your Bernina model. The older "mechanicals" do require frequent oiling--not just at the hook, but throughout the machine. (When they made these old machines, they didn't really consider that the machines would still be going strong 20, 30, or even 50 years later.) Could be the oil surrounding the feed dogs has dried and is preventing the parts from moving.

If your older Kenmore is mechanical (not computerized), it probably can use a bit of oiling beyond what the manual recommends. Older machines frequently were pre-oiled at the factory, however, after many years, the oil tends to dry out and cause the mechanical parts to stick (the reason most older machines are frozen). Perhaps this link will be of help:

Is it a mechanical machine (not computerized)? Did you oil the internal metal parts that rub against other metal parts? With an older mechanical machine, frequently the old oil turns to goo and sticks things rather than lubricates. Use only fresh good quality sewing machine oil. Hand rotate the wheel and place 2 drops of oil every place metal rubs metal (including the bobbin area). To help loosen things, direct hot air from a handheld hairdryer into the interior of the machine.

This process was used on an older Kenmore that had totally frozen, but it was working again within 15 minutes.

Hello Shirlene, If your Kenmore machine has two drive belts, a belt from the motor to an idler pulley and a belt from the idler pulley to the main shaft. I have found that the idler pulley needs some Teflon grease on the idler pulley shaft. On my machine, the squeak would go away for a while if I oiled this idler pulley shaft. But it was short lived. Only grease on the idler pulley shaft would silence the squeak.

as for the hand wheel not not being able to turn, it's possible that something could be loose or broken

you said it's been sitting for several years,, I would suggest that the machine needs to be serviced
by a sewing machine repair shop, where they can check the handwheel & find out why it won't unlock, & that the gears & inside the machine can be checked & grease & oiled & the timing check also

Do you have your owners manual? If not, go to Sears parts direct and buy one. This will tell you where to put the oil. Now you probably will want to get under the throat plate, just use a small stubby screwdriver and take off the throat plate, usually you find something that looks like felt and thread. There is not felt, so clean that little bugger out. Sometimes you can find tips on the internet for lubricating and cleaning. I think the repair person was not very knowledgeable to say that, the older machines made better than anything today. Take care of it, I still have my first sewing machine, an Old Kenmore and it is my work horse, It will sew anything that my new expensive machines cannot handle.